How do I make a drain tile system?

Yes, you’ll need a pump if it’s not 4% or greater slope. A pump is going to be a big part of your budget.

So time to dig better trenches? You can rent small trenching machines, but they require a lot of upper arm strength to keep controlled.

The drain tile itself is not expensive. There’s flexible & rigid.

You’ll need the screen & gravel to go with it, and they’re not expensive. Labor intensive job.

Plan this out, as Water damage is expensive., $11K in my case. Mold poisoning is expensive. $3K in my case.

Do you mean a french drain for the foundation?

Yesterday, at HD, I looked at their trenching machines rentals for you.

None had a trench wider than 3” & 18” deep. They were $120 for 24 hours and $80 for 4? If I recall correctly.

I would check with other rental places & look for a 4” trenching machine, as 3” will require hand widening it. None were self propelled, you had to pull them.

One type was an auger & the other like a chain saw with big teeth. The latter requires a trailer and I’m not strong enough to operate it.

If you can get a strong man to dig your trenches for $20 an hour, as fast as a trenching machine, then that’s the answer.

Most people use a small backhoe not a trencher to dig the trench. Needs to go down to the footing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-French-Drain

https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/outdoors/how-to-install-french-drains

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stdBRIDYmDQ